How severe is CVE-1999-0971?

CVE-1999-0971 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.

Is CVE-1999-0971 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (48th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-1999-0971?

CVE-1999-0971 affects University Of Cambridge Exim. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-1999-0971?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-1999-0971 published?

CVE-1999-0971 was published on 1997-07-22 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-1999-0971

CVE-1999-0971 is a high-severity vulnerability in University Of Cambridge Exim with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 2.0 base score 7.2)
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (48th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: University Of Cambridge Exim
Published: 1997-07-22
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

Buffer overflow in Exim allows local users to gain root privileges via a long :include: option in a .forward file.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-1999-0971?: Buffer overflow in Exim allows local users to gain root privileges via a long :include: option in a .forward file.
How severe is CVE-1999-0971?: CVE-1999-0971 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.
Is CVE-1999-0971 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (48th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-1999-0971?: CVE-1999-0971 affects University Of Cambridge Exim. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-1999-0971?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-1999-0971 published?: CVE-1999-0971 was published on 1997-07-22 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/7301

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:university_of_cambridge:exim:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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